Michael McAuliffe: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 20th District RepresentativeAge: 48Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Full time - LegislaterEducation: Attended Triton CollegeCivic involvement: Schorsch village men's club, Edison Park Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: State Representative - Current 41st Ward Republican CommitteemanHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fixing our budget.Key Issue 2 Pension issues.Key Issue 3 Economy - JobsQuestions Answers How would you fix the state's pension gap? Should pension costs be shifted to suburban school districts? Why or why not? Should this issue be voted on in a lame-duck session? Why or why not? How can partisan gridlock be eased to solve the crisis?I believe the best chance for a pension bill moving forward will occur during the lame-duck veto session. The results of the November election will be recorded and I believe a pension bill will be voted on with the prospects of a bill being passed and await the Governor's approval. A few things would need to happen for a clean bill passing both chambers and the Governor signing a bill. I believe the best way for a pension bill to pass would need some agreements by all or most stakeholders. I would like to see all interested parties mutually agree on a bill wich would be fair to all, this includes retirees and current contributors. I feel that the cost shift to suburban school districts is a cost shift to tax payers who would bear the brunt once again and would be an unwanted burden placed on homeowners. The partisan gridlock will soften and constitutionality will ultimately be the deal breaker. A bill may still pass, get signed by the governor and still be thrown out through judicial process so the "pension issue" will be around for a few years.How, specifically, would you cut the budget? What does Illinois need to do to fix its status as a "deadbeat state?" How will you vote on future gambling bills? What is your view of slots at racetracks? Casino expansion?This year the legislature passed SB2840, the medical reform bill which implemented correctly will save the state billions of dollars. The legislature can also cut spending by reviewing all unecessary travel, whether state planes or automobiles and reducing travel to bare bones minimum. The new technology makes it easier for conference meetings rather than the state paying for gas, lodging and meals. These are a few examples of helping capitalize illinois to pay its bills on time and try and get rid of the "deadbeat state" title we are know for across the country. This past spring I voted in favor of expanding gaming positions at current casinos, allowing slots at racetracks, and allowing a casino in Chicago. If a gambling bill can ever get signed into law the state will realize more taxes and ultimately will help the taxpayer and resident of Illinois.What can you do specifically to help the economy in your district? How can you help create jobs in your district and statewide? What is your view of the tax breaks granted to companies like Motorola Mobility, Navistar and Sears?The new 20th district will include new villages that are familiar areas to me. Rosemont has opened a new entertainment district which will draw more residents throughout the city of Chicago and nearby towns. I have and will continue to support legislation which helps the Rosemot Convention Center. This convention center employs many residents of my district and will continue to help attract more convention and tourism to Rosemont. I supported a new Mariano's Market which will be opening in the 20th district next spring and will bring hundreds of jobs to this new grocery store. Creating and maintaining jobs in Illinois needs to be a top priority for lawmakers. We need to maintain our current business base and attract new business that offer our citizens sustainable, good paying jobs. Illinois is suffering from a tarnished public image due to high tax rates, cumbersome government regulations and a record high budget deficit and political corruption. I supported legislation to repeal Governor Quinn's tax increase. While I supported tax relief packaged for Sears and CME group, I believe it is not good practice to react and play defense when it comes to our economy. I stand by my vote to keep CME group and Sears in Illinois because the fallout from these businesses leaving Illinois would have a long lasting, devastating impact to our economy. In addition to losing tax revenue and good paying jobs the states image would have been further damages as large and small business around the country and even the world would have taken notice. The legislature must pass a long term sustainable budget so we can relieve pressure on taxpayes and provide a more stable and welcoming business climate.Do you favor limiting how much money party leaders can give candidates during an election? If elected, do you plan to vote for the current leader of your caucus? Why or why not? Do you support or oppose campaign contribution limits? Please explain.I am in favor of party leaders having limits on spending for candidates. I have supported my caucus leader and will continue to do so as I believe he is a good leader and listener in our caucus. I support limits on campaign contributions.Should gay marriage be legalized in Illinois? Should it be voted on in a lame-duck session as civil unions were? Should Illinois define life as beginning at conception? How would you vote on a concealed carry plan? Should the death penalty return?I will not support the legalization of gay marriage in Illinois. I don't believe a bill defining when life begins will be brought up in this or the next general assembly. I voted on the last conceal and carry bill and believe the judicial system will resolve this issue one way or another. I am in favor of the death penalty but this general assembly and the next general assembly will not have the support to repeal the moratorium on the death penalty.